Relic Intro Guide


In Slay the Spire 2, your deck provides the options, but your Relics provide the power. Relics are permanent artifacts that grant passive buffs, extra energy, or unique combat triggers that last for the duration of your run.

While many ‘basic’ relics can be found by any class, each character has a pool of Unique Relics specifically designed to enhance their unique mechanics, from the Ironclad’s strength-scaling to the Regent’s cosmic stars.

claws relic slay the spire 2


The Lifecycle of a Relic

Starter Relics

Every character begins floor 1 with a Starter Relic. These are the most reliable tools in your arsenal.

  • The Ironclad: Heals after every fight.
  • The Silent: Draws extra cards on turn one.
  • The Necrobinder: Summons her companion, Osty, to tank damage.

The Ancient Upgrade

One of the most pivotal moments in any Slay the Spire 2 run is encountering Oraos the Ancient. This event offers you the chance to transform your Starter Relic into an Upgraded Relic. These "evolved" versions significantly boost your base powers. For example, turning the Ironclad's 6 HP heal into a massive 12 HP heal.

Relic Rarities & How to Find Them

Common Relics

  • Where to find: Hallway fights, Chests, and Shops.
  • Impact: Provides reliable, incremental buffs to your damage or block.

Uncommon Relics

  • Where to find: Elite fights, Chests, and Shops.
  • Impact: Synergistic tools that can define a specific build direction.

Rare Relics

  • Where to find: Elite fights, Boss Chests, and Shops.
  • Impact: Game-changing artifacts that often provide massive scaling.

Boss Relics

  • Where to find: Dropped only after defeating an Act Boss.
  • Impact: High-impact modifiers that often provide extra Energy or permanent buffs.


paper phrog relic guide slay the spire 2


Strategy: Building Around Your Artifacts

A common mistake for new players is drafting cards they hope to find synergies for later. The pros do the opposite. If you pick up a Paper PhrogPaper Phrog (which boosts Vulnerable damage) early in Act 1, your entire drafting priority should shift toward cards like Bash or Tremble. Your relics should dictate your deck, not the other way around.

The "Shop" Rule

Shops are the only place where you can see a relic before you earn it. Always try to enter a Merchant room with at least 150–250 gold. Buying a build-defining Rare Relic is often worth more than buying three or four mediocre cards.

More about relics in Flare's video below, a former collegiate Hearthstone player, now roguelike content creator.